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The Ultimate 24 The Ultimate 24 - Central Florida Edition - Semi-Finalists
There's tons of talent this year and this is your chance to tell us who you like and help us trim down our list! Vote Now or forever hold your peace.

Instructions: You may select up to 11 players from the offense and defense and two special teams players to make the Ultimate 24. Select the checkboxes for the players of your choice and then after you've made your picks click the 'Vote' button at the bottom of the page.

Offensive Players
Name Position School Class Height Weight Stats/Info
Jared Beekman QB Harmony Junior Beekman is probably the top quarterback in Osceola County. He had a great spring game with over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. It will be interesting to see his development under a new head coach.
Blake Bortels QB Oviedo Junior Bortels is not only a standout at QB, but he's also a standout on the baseball diamond. Bortels will be under new head coach Wes Allen's direction and should have a terrific season for the Lions.
Eric Connolly QB Bishop Moore Junior Connolly is a young QB to keep an eye on. He looked sharp during the spring and at Bishop Moore he has the privilege of learning from some of the top coaches in Central Florida. He's a kid that could have a big season for the Hornets this year.
Jeff Driskel QB Hagerty Sophomore 6'1" 185 Driskel was a freshman phenom last season and was very impressive against Lake Brantley in the spring. Driskel looks to be on pace to be not only the top QB in Central Florida in 2011, but in the state as well.
Tyler Dye QB East Ridge Junior 5'11" 160 Dye is the head signal caller for one of Central Florida's top football programs. The Knights have many offensive weapons including RB Jeremy Wright, but Dye manages the game well and has proven to be a good leader for East Ridge.
Sam Hutsell QB Boone Junior 5'11" 170 Hutsell started most of last season for the Braves and helped lead them to the state championship game. Hutsell has surprising mobility and speed but he also has a big arm that's extremely accurate.
Tyler Marincov QB Timber Creek Junior Marincov is a young QB for an efficient Timber Creek offense. He's a smart QB that manages the game well and makes very few mistakes. Timber Creek head coach Jim Buckridge is a big fan of the junior QB.
Nico Ranieri QB Dr. Phillips Senior 6'1" 180 Ranieri transferred from Cypress Creek to Dr. Phillips before spring practice began and is getting acclimated with the Panther offense. Ranieri is a mobile gunslinger and has some impressive talent at WR around him.
Trevor Siemian QB Olympia Junior 6'4" 190 Siemian started most of the year last season for Olympia. Siemian had his coming out party against Bishop Moore in the spring game and looks to be on of the top QB's in Central Florida next season.
Frank Thompson QB Edgewater Junior 5'11' 170 Thompson appears to be the starter at QB for Edgewater and had an impressive Friday Night Lights camp in Gainesville. The Eagles are always in the title hunt and Thompson will be their leader at QB.
E.J. White QB St. Cloud Senior White was injured last season, but had a great sophomore season in 2006. He's arguably the most athletic quarterback in Osceola County, and is due for a big year after missing last season.
Calvin Burnett RB Freedom Senior 5'9" 165 Burnett is considered one of the top backs in the Orlando area and with good reason. Last season, Burnett had over 600 yards rushing and 200 yards receiving. Freedom has an impressive stable of running backs but Burnett is definitely the best of the bunch.
Travelle Davis RB Apopka Senior 5'10" 180 Often Central Floridian's hear about Apopka's offense and immediately think Jeremy Gallon. We've got news for you, check out Travelle Davis. Davis is more of a bruising, between the tackles RB that had an impressive coming out party this spring versus Eustis.
Omar Diaz RB Colonial Senior 5'8" 160 Diaz is another smaller back but he's extremely quick and explosive. He also plays a huge role in the return game. He had a solid year last season and look for him to put up even better numbers this season.
Al-Tareek McBurse RB Winter Springs Senior 6'1" 180 Mcburse also played CB for the Bears, but he is even more impressive at RB. Last season Mcburse was one of the top backs in Central Florida and he looked even better this spring versus Lake Mary. He's going to make a major division one college happy someday.
Antonio Miles RB Lake Brantley Senior 5'11" 190 Miles was third team FSWA All-State for 6A last season. This season he looks to duplicate his efforts from last season and guide the Patriots to another district crown.
James Owens RB Wikeva Senior 5'8" 165 Owens is a smaller back but one of the fastest in Central Florida. He had several big games last season and appears to be the focal point of an improved Wekiva offense this season.
Douglas Roache RB Evans Senior Roache looked very good in the backup role last season and was impressive as the starter this spring. Roache is a guy that could have a big year running behind a big Evans offensive line.
Matt Slack RB Orangewood Christian Senior 6'0" 157 Slack might just be the best running back you've never heard of in Central Florida. Every run seems to be a highlight reel and he shreds through 1B competition.
James Washington RB Boone Senior 6'0" 175 Washington is committed to NC State and was on a tear during the playoffs last season. He shared time at RB in the beginning of last season but will be the sole starter for 2008. Look for more impressive numbers from Washington this season.
Semaj Washington RB Osceola Senior 5'6" 155 Washington recently transferred from Harmony to Osceola. This was a big pick up for the Kowboys as they now have a full time running back to carry the load. Washington is arguably Osceola County's top running threat.
Jeremy Wright RB East Ridge Senior 5'11" 180 Wright also is a talented cornerback that is being recruited by the likes of West Virginia. Wright had some eye popping yardage totals in a number of games last season and appears to be the focal point of the offense for East Ridge this season.
Andre DeBose WR Seminole Senior 6'0" 180 DeBose is probably the most talented player in Central Florida. He's a threat to score any time he touches the ball. He has offers from the likes of Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miam (FL), and USC
Jordan Jackson WR Lyman Senior Jackson had 4 catches for 97 yards in a spring game victory over Oviedo. In addition to the spring game, Jackson was impressive during spring practices and it was easy to see that he will have a big year for the Greyhounds this season.
Danny Williams WR Boone Senior 6'4" 178 Last season many teams focused on Jeremy Brown, but Williams had an impressive season as well. Williams is a tall wide receiver that has a knack for making tough catches.
Quincy McDuffie WR Edgewater Senior 5'9" 160 McDuffie was injured last season, but appears to be healthy coming into this season. He also spends time punting for the Eagles and is one of the fastest players in Central Florida.
Ricardo Miller WR Dr. Phillips Junior 6'2.5" 203 Miller played tight end last season for the Panthers but has the most upside out of any wide receiver in Orlando. Miller had a breakout performance in the spring game and combines first class speed with impressive blocking skills at the receiver position.
Caleb Nelson WR Apopka Senior Nelson could've made this list at a variety of positions. He also plays quarterback and cornerback, but is probably a wide receiver or cornerback at the next level. Nelson is extremely underrated and might just be the most significant player for the Blue Darters this season.
Brad Nemchik WR Winter Springs Senior 6'0" 170 Nemchik was the team's offensive MVP last season and is one of the top receiving threats in Seminole County. Nemchik must get acclimated with their new QB, but they sure looked good together in the spring game against Lake Mary.
Jonathan Rogers WR Lake Mary Senior 6'1" 170 Rogers was the main wide receiver for a highly potent Lake Mary air attack last season. This season looks to be more of the same for Rogers and the Rams, so I'd expect another great season from Rogers.
Kenny Shaw WR Dr. Phillips Junior 6'0" 170 The Panthers have a talented duo at wide receiver for a couple of years with Shaw and Miller. Shaw played a good amount last season as a sophomore and made some spectacular touchdown catches.
Rocky Vann WR Ocoee Junior 6'0" 150 Vann doesn't get a lot of pub, but he's a burner. He had an impressive long touchdown catch and run in the spring game and will be a big part of the Ocoee offense this season.
Andrew Davis TE Timber Creek Senior When Timber Creek threw to the tight end last season, Davis did not disappoint. Timber Creek plans on using Davis more this year and he will play a big role in the offense.
Matt Dawson TE University Senior Dawson is one of many receiving threats for University. The Cougars ran the ball a lot during the spring game, but look for Dawson to be heavily involved once the season kickoffs.
Ryan Hall TE Olympia Senior 6'4" 235 Hall is the best tight end in Orlando and one of the best in the country. He's already verbally committed to Duke and is a big target with soft hands. Hall and Olympia are in for a big season.
Michael Hines TE Evans Senior Hines plays on defense for Evans as well, but the coaches are excited about him at tight end. Hines is very athletic and he's probably the fastest tight end in Central Florida.
Ricky Archur OL Osceola Senior Many consider Archur as the top offensive line prospect in Central Florida. He's a tackle at the next level and was a big key for Osceola's success last season.
Troy Boettner OL Timber Creek Senior Boettner is not only impressive on the offensive line, but he's an animal in the weight room as well. Boettner will play a vital role in Timber Creek's offense this season.
Kadeem Edwards OL Seminole Senior Edwards is a kid that Coach Mike Cullison believes is being overlooked. He believes that Edwards could end up being a steal at the next level for a lucky college program.
Dave Harding OL Boone Senior 6'4" 270 Harding is the best offensive lineman in Orange County. He currently has offers from the likes of Florida State, Duke, UCF, Kentucky, and West Virginia. He plays guard for Boone and helps anchor one of the top offensive line units in Central Florida.
Jonotthon Harrison OL South Lake Senior 6'4" 280 Harrison is the best offensive line prospect in Central Florida. Harrison recently verbally committed to the University of Florida and they are recruiting him to play tackle at the next level.
Malcolm Jones OL Evans Senior 6'3" 305 Jones is big, but showed good footwork during the spring. The Evans coaching staff is very high on the upcoming senior. He will help anchor possibly the largest offensive line in Orange County.
Tommy Mann OL Harmony Senior 6'4" 315 Mann is a sight to see on the field and he throws defenders around like a rag doll. Mann is one of the top offensive linemen in Osceola County and the Longhorns will need him this year to help break in a new running back.
Cody McGrath OL Boone Senior 6'5" 320 McGrath plays tackle for Boone, but he also sees some time at guard. Many know of Dave Harding, but aren't familiar with McGrath. McGrath is a quality offensive line prospect and should not be overlooked.
George Mills OL Winter Springs Senior 6'2" 290 Mills was very impressive last year, especially with his run blocking. He and team mate Corey Oberst opened up many holes for Winter Springs star running back Al-Tareek Mcburse.
Matt Morrison OL Timber Creek Senior Morrison was impressive this spring and delivers the occasional pancake on helpless defenders. Morrison is a returning starter and Coach Jim Buckridge believes this is the best offensive line unit he's ever had at Timber Creek.
Corey Oberst OL Winter Springs Senior 6'5" 275 Oberst is your prototypical tackle at the next level. He's tall, athletic, and not afraid to knock people on their butt. Oberst and Mills provide quite a tandem at offensive line for the Bears
Christian Peterson OL Oviedo Junior Peterson is a rising junior and one of the best offensive linemen in Seminole County. Peterson has earned positive reviews from the Oviedo coaching staff and will anchor the line this year for the Lions.
Clint Rowe OL Timber Creek Senior Rowe is part of a group that is arguably the top offensive line unit in Central Florida. Timber Creek has earned a lot of success in recent years and the offensive line is a huge part of it.
DeAndre Williams OL Oak Ridge Senior 6'5" 275 Williams is the starting left tackle for Oak Ridge. During the spring, many of the top programs in Florida came by to see him. Like Oberst, he's your prototypical tackle at the next level.
E.J. Carter ATH Dr. Phillips Senior Carter plays a couple of positions for Dr. Phillips. In the spring game, he spent time at linebacker and wide receiver and last season spent time at defensive end. This season he will play fullback for the Panthers as well.
Corey Ferguson ATH Evans Senior Ferguson plays cornerback and quarterback for Evans. At the next level, he's most likely going to be a cornerback. He's another elusive player and has the potential to be a lockdown corner for the Trojans this season.
Jeremy Gallon ATH Apopka Senior 5'9" 175 Gallon has verbally committed to the University of Michigan, and plays quarterback, and running back for the Blue Darters. He's a threat to score any time he touches the ball, and is very elusive.
Najee James ATH Evans Junior 5'11" 172 James is an intriguing prospect because he can play a number of positions very well. Last season he spent time at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and safety. He's most likely a safety at the next level, but this could be a breakout season for him in 2008.


Defensive Players
Name Position School Class Height Weight Stats/Info
B.J. Butler DL Osceola Junior 6'2" 220 Many consider Butler one of the top prospects in the nation for the 2010 class. Look for Butler to wreak havoc this season and to get even more attention from a number of prestigious college football programs.
Ardine Daniels DL Winter Springs Senior 6'0" 230 Daniels is undersized for a defensive end, but he makes up for it with a high motor. He's the key cog in Winter Springs' defensive line. He could end up being a steal for a number of colleges.
Frankie Davis DL East Ridge Senior 6'3" 270 Davis is the top defensive tackle prospect in Central Florida. He currently holds offers from Auburn, North Carolina State, Purdue, UCF, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Last he season he registered 13 tackles for a loss.
Jeff Dorcely DL Lake Brantley Junior 6'4" 225 Dorcely has a lot of untapped potential and 2008 could be his breakout season. He has great size and is starting to get looks from a number of colleges.
Dyron Dye DL Seminole Senior 6'4" 215 Dye has offers from the who's who in college football. Florida, LSU, Miami, and USC are among the schools that have offered the talented defensive end. Dye is a man among boys on the field and is considered the top defensive end prospect in Central Florida.
Anthony Gandy DL Osceola Junior 6'1" 200 The Kowboys just have an embarrassment of riches on defense this season. Gandy had 13 sacks last season and is quick coming around the edge. He and B.J. Butler provide quite a duo at defensive end for Osceola.
Victor Gray DL Dr. Phillips Senior 6'2" 227 If there was ever a true definition of a sleeper, Gray is it. Gray moved down from Maryland last year and played in the final three games for Dr. Phillips. He left is mark in those three games however with 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown.
William Harvey DL Oak Ridge Senior 6'3" 245 Harvey had a lot of college programs swing by Oak Ridge during the spring to check him out. He's a legit 6-3 and plays defensive tackle for the Pioneers. He might just be the most athletic defensive tackle in Orange County.
Anthony Hendley DL Oak Ridge Sophomore 6'2" 200 Hendley was a freshman last season, but he sure didn't play like it. Hendley is a ferocious pass rusher coming off the edge, and is already one of the best in Central Florida despite being part of the 2011 class.
Austen Jacks DL Winter Park Senior 6'4" 225 Jacks has had an extremely productive career for the Wildcats. Many colleges have taken notice as Jacks recently picked up an offer from the University of Central Florida.
Christian James DL Colonial Senior 6'3" 225 James only started three games for Olympia last season, but he put up impressive numbers. Last season, he accumulated 65 tackles and 3 sacks. James has a 4.65 40 time, and is a relentless pass rusher.
J.T. Lang DL Boone Senior 6'3" 210 Quarterbacks beware; do not throw the ball when Lang is around. Lang had more passes batted down last year than I can remember. Lang is also excels at providing run support for the Braves defense.
Skyler Skersick DL Boone Junior 6'3" 190 Skersick is an animal, he is all over the field. He also spends time at linebacker, and excels at both positions. He's a prospect to keep an eye on, but is most likely a linebacker at the next level.
Demi Thompson DL Lake Mary Senior 6'1" 245 Thompson recently verbally committed to the University of South Florida. Before his commitment, he also received offers from Cincinnati, Mississippi, North Carolina State, and Purdue.
Craig Veech DL Lake Brantley Senior 6'3" 220 Veech is an experienced starter for the Patriots and is the leader of a young Patriots defense. His experience and leadership will be key early in the season.
Curtis Wilson DL Timber Creek Senior 6'3" 235 Wilson already has offers from Cincinnati and Eastern Illinois. He's a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen and is also getting some looks from the University of South Florida.
Joshua Arce LB Evans Senior Arce led the county in tackles last season and is a defensive leader for the Trojans. His later speed needs some improvement, but he shoots the gap well and is a terror at linebacker.
Jesse Bernhardt LB Lake Brantley Senior 6'0" 195 Bernhardt led the team in tackles last season and should be the main linebacker on a young Patriots defense.
Marc Deas LB Osceola Junior 5'11" 180 Frank Thomas isn't the only linebacker for Osceola that can add over 100 tackles in a season to his resume. Deas is the other linebacker that can make that claim and he also spent time at quarterback last season.
Lucktes Estiverde LB Oak Ridge Junior 5'9" 210 In 2006, Estiverde was a freshman phenom for Oak Ridge and followed that with a terrific 2007 campaign. He's undersized, but tenacious and reminds many of former Florida State standout Buster Davis.
Stanley Evans LB South Lake Junior Evans spent time at defensive end as well last season, and could see some time at safety this season. He looks to be the next big recruit for South Lake, and has what it takes to be a productive linebacker at the next level.
Charles Favor LB Dr. Phillips Junior 6'1" 225 Favor played defensive tackle last season for the Panthers but is probably a linebacker at the next level. He is very talented and has a knack for making key tackles. Favor is one of the area's best for the class of 2010.
Jarkevis Fields LB Seminole Senior 6'0" 220 Jarkevis Fields is a player that doesn't get a lot of pub. A big reason for that is because of Armstrong, DeBose, and Dye. Fields should not be overlooked and is one of the area's best at linebacker.
Harrison Hodges LB Boone Senior 6'2 210 Hodges is the leader for a tough, hard nosed Boone defense. He's always in position to make the play, and he has the frame to be a solid linebacker at the next level. He also has solid grades off the field as well.
Christian Jones LB Lake Howell Junior 6'4" 210 Jones is a talented athlete that also spends time at running back for Lake Howell. He is a tackling machine and returns as the team's leading tackler. He already has a college ready frame and will explode onto this scene this season.
Johnathan Jones LB Winter Springs Senior 6'2" 200 Jones is another talented LB for the Bears and brings a hard nosed attitude to the field. He's an excellent tackler and has a 4.7 40 time. He and Mckinnon should help guide the Bears defense in 2008.
Pooh Bear Mars LB Apopka Senior Mars is the best linebacker prospect in Central Florida and reminds many of Rennie Curran. Mars will end up being a steal for a number of Division 1A colleges.
Taylor Mckinnon LB Winter Springs Senior 6'2" 230 Mckinnon is not only a talent on the field, but he's quite the scholar athlete off the field. He is getting a lot of Ivy League school looks thanks to his 4.3 GPA and is the leader of the Winter Springs defense.
Bryce Mclanahan LB Winter Park Senior Brother of former Winter Park basketball star Kyle McClanahan, Bryce is a talent in his own right. His tackle total last season was second on the team and he will be a big part of what could be the best defensive unit in Orange County.
Brad Sweatt LB Edgewater Senior 6'2" 200 Sweatt plays middle linebacker for Edgewater and currently has an offer from Ball State University. He's a hard nosed player that plays with high intensity. He's a big part of a great linebacker corps for the Eagles.
Frank Thomas LB Osceola Sophomore 5'10" 170 Thomas was a freshman last season at Gateway and registered over 100 tackles. He transferred to Osceola where he will team up with Marc Deas and provide the Kowboys with a devastating linebacker combo.
Jacob Wainwright LB Timber Creek Junior Wainwright is a class of 2010 prospect that is aggressive and plays smart. He also can deliver the big hit, and can tackle well. Timber Creek's defense is a question mark but Wilson and Wainwright will be the leaders of their defense.
Ricardo Watson LB Edgewater Senior 5'10" 200 Watson is undersized, but is arguably the hardest hitter on the Edgewater defense. He plays with a high motor and is like a pit bull out on the field.
Tevin Archer DB Lake Mary Junior Archer had a magnificent spring game versus Winter Springs and is a cornerback to keep an eye on this season. He breaks on the ball well and could be one of the best in corners in Seminole County.
Ishmael Aristide DB Evans Senior 6'0" 192 Aristide has already verbally committed to Purdue, and is one of the fastest players in Central Florida. He injured his knee in the spring, but is on track to being healthy and playing in the fall.
Ray Ray Armstrong DB Seminole Senior 6'4" 215 Forget Central Florida, Armstrong is one of the top players in the country. With offers from Florida, LSU, and USC, who could argue that? He's a sight to see in the defensive backfield.
Cain Elliot DB Winter Springs Senior 6'2" 175 Elliot currently holds an offer from Florida International and really showed a lot of improvement this spring. He played cornerback last season, but he will play safety this season for the Bears.
Mike Jones DB Edgewater Senior 6'2" 195 Jones recently committed to the University of Michigan, and is one of the top safety prospects in the state of Florida. He also spends time at linebacker for the Eagles.
Brian King DB Oak Ridge Junior 6'2" 180 King is one of many talented underclassmen for the Pioneers. King had a good season in 2007, and hopes to have an even better one in 2008.
Rashid Mitchell DB Ocoee Senior 5'10" 175 Mitchell is ball hawking cornerback in Orange County that not a lot of people know about. Mitchell was status quo in the spring game with a spectacular pick against Wildwood.
Jonathan Mputu DB Winter Park Senior 6'3" 190 Mputu spends time at wide receiver, but he's a specimen on the field at safety. He can deliver the big hit, and has good coverage skills as well.
Donovan Sims DB Winter Springs Senior 6'2" 180 Sims didn't play a lot last season, but he really showed flashes of greatness in the spring game against Lake Mary. He finished the spring game with 2 interceptions and provides a formidable duo at safety with Cain Elliot.
Derrick Strozier DB Edgewater Senior 5'8" 170 Strozier also looks to be the starting running back for Edgewater this season. Strozier is one of the top lockdown cornerbacks in Central Florida and is going to be a very productive college football player in a few years.
Calvin Washington DB West Orange Junior Washington is only a junior but already one of the top defensive backs in the district. New coach Chip Petree stepped up the intensity this spring and Washington should have a great season for the Warriors.
Jansen Watson DB Osceola Senior 5'9" 170 Watson reportedly has an Auburn offer and is one of the fastest players in Osceola County. He has great coverage skills and is one of the leaders of a strong Osceola defense.
Lo Wood DB Apopka Junior 5'11" 170 Wood is a lockdown corner in every way. He started for Dr. Phillips as a freshman, and transferred to Apopka last spring. Wood will be one of the most sought after prospects for 2010.


Special Teams
Name Position School Class Height Weight Stats/Info
Josh Pruitt P/K Boone Senior 5'11" 170 Pruitt is hands down the best kicker in Central Florida. What people may not know about Pruitt is that he will punt for Boone this season as well. This summer Pruitt was impressive punting the ball at a national kicking combine. Because of his performance, he is now getting more attention from a number of colleges.
Carlos Guerrero P/K Cypress Creek Senior 5'11" 185 Guerrero is another kicker who can also punt the ball. He continues to improve on his mechanics and is getting better every year.




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